Chinese donation to AU will assist AMISOM

The African Union (AU) has been given “a donation of equipment and general supplies from the government of China” that will go to the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Accepting the donation, of which no details were given in an AU statement, Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira, special representative of the AU chair, said the equipment “could not have come at a more appropriate time, as AIMSOM journeys through a critical stage in the fight against militant insurgency by al-Shabaab in Somalia”.

“These general supplies and equipment will go a long way in helping to strengthen the work of AMISOM in Somali. AMISOM has made remarkable progress in the stability of Somalia and the next step requires concrete operational commitments, logistical equipment and intelligence gathering equipment, something that cannot be provided by the AU alone.”

Apart from its troops, AMISOM also provides medical support to local Somali communities and the Chinese assistance will enable it to expand its health services and provide more life-saving diagnoses to alleviate suffering of the Somali people from preventable health-related complications.

Madeira thanked the Chinese Government for its support to the AU’s efforts in Somalia and the larger peace and security agenda. He also saluted the efforts of Kenya and other troop contributing countries in AMISOM for their continued support in the fight against terrorism in Somalia.